Intravenous administration of antineoplastic drugs: review of basics and what's new in 2009

Abstract

Today, newer treatment regimens combine chemotherapy with targeted therapy, based on an improved understanding of cancer pathophysiology. New diagnostic testing with microarray technology is helping to identify mutational sequences in patient tumors, so individualized treatment of cancer will occur during our lifetime. The administration of IV antineoplastic drugs continues to be an important role of infusion nurses. In addition, this therapy has also found a niche in the treatment of nonmalignant conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. This article reviews the fundamentals of administration of IV antineoplastic drugs and current issues and trends.